Syllabus for ZOO 4307
Vertebrate Biodiversity
Spring 2014
Lecture Instructor:
Dr. Matthew Smith
316 Bartram Hall
madsmith@ufl.edu
Office hours: Wednesday 2-4 (Bartram 316)
Lecture location:
Bartram Hall, Room 211
Tuesday & Thursday: Periods 3-4 (9:35 - 11:30 p.m.)
Lab TAs:
Mariela Pajuelo (mpajuelo@ufl.edu) Office hours: T 9-10, Carr 412
Sharon Holte (sharonholte@ufl.edu). Office hours: Th 3:00-3:50, Bartram 310
Lab: Carr 120
Section: 11EB - Tuesday, Period 8-10 (3:00 - 6:00). Mariela
Section: 11E1 - Wednesday, Period 3-5 (9:35 - 12:35). Sharon
Section: 17H8 - Wednesday, Period 7-9 (1:55 - 4:55). Sharon
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES: 6 Monday 2014
LAST DAY OF CLASSES: 23 April 2014
FINAL EXAM: Monday 28 April, 3-5 p.m. in BAR 211
I.
Course Description: Comparative biology of vertebrates, with an emphasis on
morphology, evolution, ecology, and behavior.
Laboratory may include field trips.
Prereq: BSC 2011 and 2011L, or equivalent, with minimum grades of C.
II.
Textbook and other materials:
(1) Pough, Vertebrate Life
(2) Target copy: Lab manual
III. Credit Hours: 4
IV. Course Objectives:
This course explores the diversity, adaptations, and ecology of vertebrates. The
lectures and labs are coordinated as much as possible so that laboratory work
expands upon information provided through lecture and reinforces an understanding
of diversity and adaptation.
V.
Policies and requirements:
Lecture Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes.
This course covers a great deal of material; absences/excessive tardiness should be
avoided as you may find yourself hopelessly behind. If unavoidable circumstances
(= a valid excuse) prevent a student from attending a scheduled class, that student
MUST notify the instructor in advance or within 24 hours of the missed class so we
can arrange for you to make up any work missed (e.g. a test). If a test is missed due
to an EXCUSED absence, the student is responsible for scheduling a retest with the
instructor. If the retest is not taken before the next scheduled test, a zero for
the missed test will be given. Students who, without a valid (e.g. doctor’s) excuse,
request to take an exam late, will automatically have 20 pts deducted from their 1st
late exam and 30 points from their 2nd late exam, and 40 points from their third (In
other words, don’t call in “sick” because you want more time to study). I will take
roll and/or give random quizzes during class. Attendance and preparation will be
taken into account when determining your final grade.
Lab Attendance
Expectations for lab attendance follow the above and have the following additional
specifications: labs are held on Tuesday and Wednesday, so there is little
opportunity to make-up missed lab. Notify your instructor immediately if you
will miss a lab and if at all possible attend the lab for one of the other sections.
Lab attendance and participation are part of your grade and there will be minimal
(=no) opportunity to review the missed material if you do not attend lab. Note that
labs meet once a week for three hours – plan accordingly.
Classroom behavior
Behave with courtesy towards your fellow students and the instructor. Avoid
talking during lecture as it is highly disruptive to other students. Cell phones should
be turned off before coming to class. Any student who persists in interrupting the
class or who acts aggressively/disrespectfully will be asked to leave.
Grammar
Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization and paragraphing should be
incorporated in exams as well as any typed reports. Spelling and Grammar will
be graded.
Lecture Examinations
Any material covered during the lecture period or assigned in your reading
may be included in the examinations. This can include textbook illustrations,
films, .ppt slides AND actual lectures. Take notes! Lecture tests will consist of 50100 questions including multiple choice, T/F, short answer, and essay. Exams may
be in-class, take-home or a combination (if take-home, you will be notified ~1
week ahead of time). Quizzes may be given at any time, without notice. There
will be no make-up quizzes. If a student misses one exam due to a preapproved
excused absence, s/he must make up the missed test before the next exam or receive
a zero for the missed test.
Lab Examinations
Due to the time involved for set-up and breakdown of practical (lab) exams, a
missed lab exam should be avoided if at all possible. If unavoidable circumstances
result in a missed lab exam or quiz, a make-up will be offered in an alternate format
providing the absence was excused. If the absence is unexcused, there will be no
make-up available. Lab exams will be held Wednesday evening the week of the
exam. You must sign up for a time slot in advance. One time will be 6:00-7:30pm,
and the second will be 7:30-9:00.
Lab Quizzes
Quizzes are administered at the beginning of lab (5 minutes after class begins); no
make-ups will be given during class or afterwards. You are required to attend
your registered lab section for all quizzes unless you have a verifiable excuse or
permission of the lab instructors involved. You must arrive within 10 minutes after
the start of lab in order to take the quiz. Arriving after 10 minutes or after the quiz
has been given will result in a 0 for that quiz. Each scheduled quiz will be
administered separately to each lab section. Because these quizzes are unique to
each section it is recommended that you take your section’s quiz. If you have an
excused absence on a quiz day, you may take the quiz in another section.
Lab Assignments
Graded assignments are due at the beginning of the lab session one week after the
actual lab work was done, unless otherwise noted. Assignments turned in after
the start of the lab session will be considered late work. If you are unable to turn
in your work during your regular lab section and are not able to hand it in directly to
your instructor, DO NOT leave an assignment at your instructor's office. Rather (1)
make a photocopy of your assignment for safekeeping and (2) hand in the original
to the staff of the departmental office (220 Bartram Hall) during regular office
hours (8am -4pm). Late work will be penalized 10% of the total points per day.
Field report
Students will complete a formal field report as part of their lab grade. You will
complete this assignment by yourself, but for the field observation section you may
in groups of 2 or 3. Meet with your lab partner(s) in an area you expect to find
several species of vertebrates (e.g. a park or preserve, a veterinary clinic, a 'wild'
area on campus, or your favorite fishing spot). Note weather conditions, date, and
time. Observe/ photograph and identify at least 25 species of vertebrates. Try
to get as many vertebrates in one spot as possible. Write the field report to describe
your findings. Briefly state your purpose, where you were, what you did, and how
you observed your animals in an Introduction. For every taxon that you ID, include
the scientific name, who first gave it a scientific name (authority), and the year (e.g.
“Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius (Linnaeus, 1766)”) at least once
along with its Class and current Family name. Provide at least one photograph or
illustration of the animal in a Figure (with caption and attribution), distributional
data, and biogeographical, ecological, and/or conservation information. Try to find
out something new and interesting about each animal. Use the report to force
yourself to dig for information, the more the better! Use in-text citations. Include
Conclusions (What can you say about the area you visited? What did you learn?)
and Literature Cited sections; peer reviewed sources only, please use an appropriate
citation style.
Incomplete (“I”)
If a student has completed the majority of the course work and particular
DOCUMENTED circumstances prevent completion of the course in the time
allotted, the student may, with the agreement of the instructor, be assigned an “I”
pending resolution of the grade. All incompletes MUST be resolved by the end of
the following term or the student will receive a grade of “E” (failing).
VI. Drop/Add/Withdrawal:
A student can drop/add during the drop add period with no penalty. After drop/add,
a student who drops will receive a W until the date listed in the academic calendar.
After that date, the student may be assigned an “E” (fail). Note: it is the
responsibility of the STUDENT to withdraw from a course, not the instructor.
Failure to attend class is NOT a drop.
VII. Honesty Policy:
All students registered at the University of Florida have agreed to comply with the
following statement: “I understand that the University of Florida expects its
students to be honest in all their academic work. I agree to adhere to this
commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with
this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion
from the University.”
In addition, on all work submitted for credit the following pledge is either required
or implied: “On my honor I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in
doing this assignment.”
If you witness any instances of academic dishonesty in this class, please notify the
instructor or contact the Student Honor Court (392-1631) or Cheating Hotline (3926999). For additional information on Academic Honesty, please refer to the
University of Florida Academic Honesty Guidelines at:
http://www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/procedures/academicguide.html.
VIII. Accommodation for Students with Disabilities:
Students who will require a classroom accommodation for a disability must contact
the Dean of Students Office of Disability Resources, in Peabody 202 (phone: 352392-1261). Please see the University of Florida Disability Resources website for
more information at: http://www.dso.ufl.edu/drp/services/.
It is the policy of the University of Florida that the student, not the instructor, is
responsible for arranging accommodations when needed. Once notification is
complete, the Dean of Students Office of Disability Resources will work with the
instructor to accommodate the student.
IX. Software Use:
All faculty, staff and student of the University are required and expected to obey the
laws and legal agreements governing software use. Failure to do so can lead to
monetary damages and/or criminal penalties for the individual violator. Because
such violations are also against University policies and rules, disciplinary action
will be taken as appropriate.
X.
UF Counseling Services:
Resources are available on-campus for students having personal problems or
lacking clear career and academic goals. The resources include:
UF Counseling & Wellness Center, 3190 Radio Rd, 392-1575, psychological and
psychiatric services.
Career Resource Center, Reitz Union, 392-1601, career and job search services.
Many students experience test anxiety and other stress related problems. “A Self
Help Guide for Students” is available through the Counseling Center (301 Peabody
Hall, 392-1575) and at their web site: http://www.counsel.ufl.edu/.
XI. Course assignments and grading policies
Graded Item
Homework
Lecture exam 1
Lecture exam 2
Lecture exam 3
Lecture exam 4
Final exam
-----------------------------Lab worksheets
/activities (5 pts)
Lab quizzes (15 pts)
Field report
Lab mid-term practical
Lab Final practical
FINAL GRADE
Date
23 Jan
25 Feb
18 March
8 April
28 April
Time/Place
Take-home
In-class
Take-home
In-class
3-5 Bar 211
7 April
17 Feb
21 April
Total Points
50
125
100
125
100
100
Percent
5.0
12.5
10.0
12.5
10.0
10.5
In lab
65
6.5
In lab
Field
In lab
In lab
90
45
100
100
1000
9.0
4.5
10.0
10.0
100
GRADE SCALE:
A
A-
100 - 95
90 - 94
B+
B
87 - 89
83 - 86
BC+
80 - 82
77 - 79
C
73 - 76
D+
67 - 69
D60 - 62
C70 - 72
D
63 - 66
Final grades will be determined by the instructor after consideration of the class’s overall
average. Grade adjustment will ONLY be upwards; an assigned grade will never be lower than
your raw point score.
XII. Lecture Schedule for Spring 2014 *** SUBJECT TO REVISION****
Week Lecture
1
2
3
7 January
Tues
9 January
Thurs
14 January
Tues
16 January
Thurs
21 January
Tues
23 January
Thurs
4
5
6
7
28 January
Tues
30 January
Thurs
4 February
Tues
6 February
Thurs
11 February
Tues
13 February
Thurs
18 February
Tues
20 February
Thurs
Chapter
Topic
1, 2
Introduction, What is a vertebrate?
Classification and phylogeny of vertebrates.
1, 2
Phylogenetic systematics: how to read a tree
3
3
Jawless vs. jawed fishes; appearance of the
gnathostomes
Jawless vs. jawed fishes; appearance of the
gnathostomes
No Class
4
Exam I Ch 1-4; take-home
Due 30 Jan 11:55 p.m.
5
5
6
6
Living in water
Chondrichthyes: diversity, reproduction, human
impacts and conservation
Chondrichthyes: diversity, reproduction, human
impacts and conservation
Osteichthyes: diversity, locomotion, reproduction,
human impacts and conservation
Osteichthyes: diversity, locomotion, reproduction,
human impacts and conservation
9
Tetrapoda: living on land
10
Amphibians: diversity and taxonomy
10
Amphibians: Gas exchange, metamorphosis,
defense, conservation
11
Sauropsids vs. synapsids: key differences in
anatomy, reproduction and thermoregulation
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
25 February
Tues
27 February
Thurs
4-6 March
11 March
Tues
13 March
Thurs
16
12
In class
Turtles are from Mars (evolution, anatomy,
reproduction, habitat, adaptations, conservation)
Spring Break
13
Lepidosaurs (tuatara, lizards and snakes)
13
Squamates (lizards) diversity, anatomy, feeding,
reproduction, social behavior, human impacts
18 March
Tues
13
Exam III; take-home
Ch 11, 12, 13
Due 23 October 11:55 p.m.
Squamates (snakes) diversity, anatomy, feeding,
reproduction, social behavior, human impacts
20 March
Thurs
16
Archosauria: Crocodylians: diversity, anatomy,
feeding, reproduction, social behavior,
conservation
16
Archosauria: saurischians and ornisthischians
25 March
Tues
27 March
Thurs
1 April
Tues
3 April
Thurs
8 April
Tues
10 April
Thurs
15
Exam II
(chapters 5, 6, 9, 10)
15 April
Tues
17 April
Thurs
22 April
Tues
28 April
Mon
16
17
17
Exam IV; Ch 16, 17
20, 21
21, 24, 25
21, 24, 25
21, 24, 25
FINAL EXAM
Ch 20, 21, 24, 25
Theropods to Aves: diversity, anatomy, feeding,
reproduction, social behavior, conservation
Aves: Paleognaths and Neognaths: diversity,
anatomy, feeding, reproduction, social behavior,
conservation
Aves: Neognaths: diversity, anatomy, feeding,
reproduction, social behavior, conservation
In Class
Mammals: Prototherians, Metatherians: diversity,
anatomy, feeding, reproduction, social behavior,
conservation
Placentals I: diversity, anatomy, feeding,
reproduction, social behavior, conservation
Placentals II diversity, anatomy, feeding,
reproduction, social behavior, conservation
Placentals III diversity, anatomy, feeding,
reproduction, social behavior, conservation
3-5 p.m. in BAR 211
XII. Lab Schedule for Spring 2014 *** SUBJECT TO REVISION****
Chapter
Week of:
Quiz
(15 pts EACH)
6 Jan
Lab 1
13 Jan
Lab 2
20 Jan
Lab 3
27 Jan
(TRIP)
Lab 4
(EXAM)
Lab 5
NO LABS
Phylogenetics &
Chordate Biology
- Activity 1 (cladistics);
- Activity 2 (evol. thinking)
Quiz 1
Gnathostomes
- Activity 4 (perch dissection);
- Worksheet 1
Quiz 2
Jawed fish diversity
- Worksheet 2 (matrix in lab)
Fish Diversity
Florida Collections Museum
- Worksheet 3
Amphibian form,
function, diversity
- Activity 6 (frog dissection);
- Worksheet 4
3 Feb
10 Feb
Activities / Worksheets
(5 pts EACH)
Topic
Quiz 3
17 Feb
LAB MID-TERM EXAM - 100 pts
Turtle form, function,
diversity
24 Feb
3 March
- Worksheet 5
NO LABS
Lab 6
10 March
Quiz 4
Lepidosaur form,
function, diversity
- Worksheet 6;
- Snake dissection (optional)
Lab 7
17 March
Quiz 5
Archosaur form and
function; bird anatomy
- Worksheet 7
Lab 8
24 March
Archosaur diversity
(TRIP)
31 March
Bird Field Trip
- Activity
Lab 9
7 April
Mammal form, function,
anatomy, diversity
- Worksheet 8
Quiz 6
(REPORT) 7 April
Lab 10
FIELD REPORT DUE - 45 pts
14 April
TBA
(EXAM)
21 April
LAB FINAL EXAM - 100 pts
Total
Points
400 pts =
Quizzes
90 pts
Exams / Report
245 pts
Worksheets
65 pts